Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 22nd June 2022) below:
Devolution
Devon is one of nine areas given provisional backing by the Government to make more decisions locally via a “County Deal”, which would see some devolution of decision making from Whitehall.
Talks between Devon County, Plymouth City and Torbay Councils, together with Devon’s eight district councils, and Whitehall Departments to shape a deal are underway. I have urged participants in the talks to focus on what a deal will mean for local people on issues such as housing, skills, the environment and transport, rather than what it means for politicians. An effective County Deal means changes being made which have a visible impact on our community in terms of affordable housing and better transport.
A Devon County Deal be finalised by the Autumn. I hope it is. It could make a real difference by empowering us to work with our neighbours and the government to deliver real change, as we have already seen in areas with a devolution deal.
Ukraine
It has now been 4 months since Putin launched his unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
During this time Ukraine’s military has fought heroically and, thanks to the support provided by its allies, been able to frustrate the swift conquest Putin expected. Yet this has not been without cost and Ukraine’s military needs new recruits able to use the advanced weaponry being supplied. Therefore, the latest deal between our two nations is right and needed, it will see the UK train up to 10,000 Ukrainian troops every 120 days, giving a vital stream of reinforcements to the frontline.
As the war continues some will argue Ukraine should seek a “compromise”, whilst Moscow may present President Zelensky as “stubborn” if he refuses to trade away his nation’s territory or right to self-governance. Yet Ukraine is right to believe there cannot be a compromise with Putin. This is his second invasion of their country in 8 years. He has ignored previous pleas to avoid conflict and would do the same again in future when it suits him.
Our support therefore needs to be with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve victory.
Crackdown
Criminals who operate so called “county lines” import drugs, misery and (often) violence to our bay, with child exploitation commonplace.
Last week’s crackdown on drug supply networks operating in our bay was very welcome, with Police Officers from Devon & Merseyside working together to target drug supply lines from source to sale. Working together is vital to ensuring a whole criminal gang is taken down and Merseyside’s ongoing support will make a difference here in our bay.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 25th June, 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, Great Western Rd, Paignton TQ4 5AG and Friday 1st July, 10am till 12pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, such as housing or welfare, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
